Dry Eye Syndrome
Around 300 million people globally suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome. In Italy, it involves 26% of the adult population, this syndrome majorly affects women over 40 years old (50%) and those in menopause (90%). In India, the prevalence of dry eye disease will be in about 40% of the urban population by 2030. Early Diagnosis and treatment is important.
The tear film
The tear film is formed by three layers which are necessary for the functioning of the eye,
• A mucous layer- It is in contact with the eye globe, secreted by the conjunctival mucus cells
• An aqueous layer- It is secreted by the lacrimal glands
• A lipid layer- It is secreted by the Meibomian glands
What is Dry Eye
Dry Eye is a disorder of the tear film due to reduced production or excessive evaporation of tears, which causes damage to the exposed ocular surface. It is associated with a feeling discomfort in the eyes.
Excessive evaporation of tears (which is a cause of 86% of Dry eyes) is caused by the obstruction or malfunction of the Meibomian glands that are located in the eyelids, and are responsible for producing the lipid layer of the tears. When not working properly, they do not produce enough oil component in the tear film, so tears evaporate more rapidly. Insufficient or absent lipid layer can increase the speed of evaporation of the tear up to 16 times faster.
The symptoms include:
Burning
Foreign Body Sensation
Eye Redness
Itching
Discomfort in the eyes
Occasionally altered vision
The risk factors are:
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Hormonal imbalances – Menopause
• Use and abuse of eye cosmetics
• Use of contact lenses
• Chronic blepharitis
• Age (especially after age 50)
• Prolonged use of video terminals
• Prolonged use of systemic drugs (i.e: antihistamines, etc.)
• Air pollution
Diagnosis
Dry eye diagnosis should always be made by the Ophthalmologist with reliable tests, thus avoiding self-diagnosis at home and treatment “over the counter”. The Ophthalmologist will consider a number of parameters and the correct treatments for each specific case.
The cure
There are several solutions for the dry eye problem, from artificial tears (eye drops) to a modern way of therapeutic treatments.
This equipment uses two medical technologies in synergy with each other to optimize the result.
OPE® (IPL) is a polychromatic light that due to thermal pulses stimulates the Meibomian glands to resume normal activities. Applied to the periorbital areas and cheekbone, it stimulates contraction of the glands, increasing the lipid stream and reducing the evaporation of tears.
LIGHT MODULATION® (LLLT) is a unique technology of photobiomodulation used for many years in various fields of medicine (dermatology, dentistry, etc.).
The emission of a particular light, to a certain wavelength, triggers endogenous heating of the eyelids.
This treatment eases the spill from the Meibomian glands of the tear film’s oily component, stabilizing the lipid layer of the tear.
The Protocol
The treatment improves symptoms of the disease after a few hours. Thanks to the synergy of the two technologies, the Meibomian glands resume the production of lipids necessary to the eye’s functionality. The treatment is not painful, it lasts a few minutes and allows the patient to immediately return to normal activities. After a few hours of the treatment, you can appreciate an improvement of the Meibomian gland functionality. Few sessions (2 to 4) at different intervals (15/20 days) are necessary to achieve an optimal result.
Lipiflow
Lipiflow – it is another novel treatment for dry eyes. Mild heat and pressure is applied to the eye lids. Gentle massaging of the eyelids is done for 12 minutes. It helps on removing blockages from the meibomian glands and makes them function better.
Our Experience
There have been numerous patients who have undergone treatment with us and have been supremely satisfied with the results. They have had a pleasant, pain free experience. It has given them relief from their dry eyes and allowed them to be drop free.
